Jewelry and its history

Jewelry is history, art and profession

Jewelry is the design, creation and production of various decorative objects or jewelry. jewelry can be made from a wide variety of materials. For example, shells, coral, pearls, leather, wood, metals such as gold, silver, platinum, copper. Also, they may use various semi-precious stones or precious stones. Jewelers use a variety of different techniques for metal processing and stone inlay. The history of this craft goes back thousands of years, so we will try to introduce it briefly.

• Ancient history. Jewelry and related artifacts have been traced back by archaeologists as far back as 100,000 years. Early jewelery was made from materials such as shells, stones, bones or animal tusks, leather and furs. When sewing clothes from a hunted animal, various wastes and scraps often remained, from which the first jewelry was made.
• Ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians are known as creators of particularly elaborate, ornate designs. Works made of gold, silver and precious stones are still found today. Glass beads began to be produced, which were often incorporated into various articles. One of the most popular symbols, known and repeated to this day - ankh, scarab, eye of Horus. Their jewelry was worn not only as jewelry, but also symbolized the status and wealth of important persons of that time. Jewelry was important not only to the living, but also passed on to the dead on their eternal journey, believing that the amulets would protect them in the afterlife. One example is pharaoh Tutankhamun, in whose burial place a huge amount of articles decorated with gold and precious stones was found. From head and chest coverings to an abundance of bracelets, rings and single amulets.
• Ancient Mesopotamia. Sumerians and Babylonians also made jewelry from gold and silver. Jewelry was used not only as jewelry, but also as currency. Cylindrical products prevailed, as well as various geometric shapes. Symbols of faith and amulets for protection were extremely popular.
• Ancient Greece and Rome. He created particularly sophisticated designs from gold and precious stones. There were also products made of amber or coral. One of the most popular symbols used in jewelry design was the laurel wreath. Rings decorated with the owner's initials or family coat of arms are also found. Such rings were also used as seals.
• The Middle Ages. 476 - 15th century At this time, various symbols of Christianity began to flourish, such as the cross, crucifix, and images of Saints. One of the popular techniques used in the Middle Ages is filigree. It is a technique of creating jewelry from metal wires or grains. The word filigree comes from two Latin words: filium - thread and granum - grain. The openwork ornament of the article is twisted from thin ribbed, twisted or round wires, and sometimes the entire article is formed. A lot of gothic style brooches and rings were noticed.
• A cultural and artistic movement that began in the 14th century. in Italy and in the following centuries spread throughout the world. In a visible departure from the religious designs that prevailed in the Middle Ages, more jewelry inspired by nature motifs was created. More colors appeared in jewelry, a lot of enamel was used. Decorating with portraits of people has become quite popular. Artifacts from this period are still used to inspire modern jewelers.
• New times (modernism). The industrial revolution that began in the 18th century. greatly changed the world of jewelry. As materials became more accessible, mass production possibilities appeared, jewelry became more accessible to the common man of that time. In the early 20th century the emerging Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles brought a lot of innovation and artistry.
• Today's jewelry. We have many choices of materials, we have mastered the most diverse techniques, with the help of various tools and mechanisms, we can create extremely complex designs much faster than it was done by hand in the past. There is no single dominant style. People are quite consumerist, they like to change their clothes, shoes, and jewelry often. There is a noticeable interest in products made from ecologically and ethically extracted materials, and a lot of attention is paid specifically to handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry.

The stylistics of all these listed periods have not been forgotten or disappeared. Some items may be less common, but an experienced jeweler will always be ready to create a piece of jewelry of the desired design. Whether it is a necklace with a gothic flavor or a significant religious symbol, it is possible to completely recreate the style of those times or to modernize it a bit.

We invite you for a professional consultation with RG Juvelyrika, we will provide you with all the information about the design and production services we offer and preliminary prices. We always take into account the wishes of our customers and offer the best possible option. You can find us at Šeškinė st. 32, Vilnius or contact e-mail by post info@rgjuvelyrika.lt and by phone +37064705546 section Contacts.